New Year’s Eve on the Plain

An afternoon visit to Salisbury Plain in good weather, in the hope of raptors and Owls. Lots of scanning in SPTA East resulted in my final year tick of 2020 - a distant Hen Harrier qurtering the ranges. Mid-afternoon saw the emergence of 2 Short-eared Owls, always exciting to see especially in a poor winter for them. at times fairly close views as they quartered the rough ground, in graceful yet buoyant flight. A special way to end the birding year.

Holiday CWP

A couple of visits to CWP between Christmas and New Year - quite extensive flooding now present. Great White Egrets, calling Water Rails, Snipe and Kingfisher in flight, Grey Wagtail and good numbers of winter Thrushes. Marsh Harrier, especially at Cleveland Lakes, is now almost expected, along with wintering Stonechats and Chiffchaffs. Four Goosander seen on Pit 28.

Christmas Day Rarity!

25 Dec - A brief foray for fresh air to CWP before lunch, and finally I located the first-winter drake Ring-necked Duck on Pit 127 - nice views. Dusky flanks, striking white lines on the bill, and the purple sheen of the neck "ring" visible in the sunlight.

Christmas Eve Present........

24 Dec - After navigating some road closures due to flooding, I arrived at Sarsgrove where a setaside area has attracted a mixed Finch flock including quite good numbers of Bramblings. Typically, these birds perch within bushes and scrub rather than on the edge, but with a bit of waiting I had some reasonable views of at least 15 birds. Also close views of a Marsh Tit. I decided on a final detour to Slimbridge before lockdown, as it might well be closed for several months sadly. Bewick's Swans seen feeding on the Tack Piece and nice flight views in evening sunlight, surprisingly a wintering Greenshank also feeding with the wintering waders. 9 Cattle Egrets in a field alongside the entrance road. The previous evening, the Barn Owl at Blakehill was out hunting a few minutes before sunset.

Ockley Common

19 Dec - A family Christmas lunch in Surrey gave the opportunity for a morning visit to Ockley (Thursley) Common where an assortment of Buntings is currently wintering. Wet underfoot and a Woodcock flushed by another walker. Three species of Bunting seen - the best views being of the two target species, firstly Little, perched calling and feeding on the ground - then amazing views of Rustic Bunting in morning sunlight, streaked flanks and crest prominent. reasonable photographic opportunities for both species. incredible that these two rarities should both be at the same inland location. How many other rare Buntings get missed? A successful morning, Dartford Warbler also glimpsed but no time to look for the Great Grey Shrike. Sad to see the fire damage from last spring's extensive blaze.

Whoopers

13 Dec - A walk along the partially flooded Thames Path east of Hannington Wick towards Castle Eaton, and the 4 Whooper Swans still present with the herd of Mute Swans. also good numbers of Lawings.

Hampshire coast

12 Dec - An appointment in Southampton gave the opportunity for a visit to the Hampshire coast. An early arrival at Southsea and the sun was out and the high tide turning, and excellent views of 10 Purple Sandpipers, initially roosting then starting to feed on the rocks - one of my favourite waders, subtle grey plumage and orange bill, usually quite confiding, and a high Arctic breeder that adds to its cachet. An unseasonal Sandwich Tern flyby was a surprise. The waters and mudflats around Hayling Island was productive as always - Red-breasted Mergansers in the channel together with a distant Black-necked Grebe, and a selection of waders including Grey Plovers feeding with their typical deliberate action. A brief look at Farlington from the A27 layby confirmed that the wintering Avocet flock had returned.

Slimbridge

10 Dec - With lockdown looming, a visit to Slimbridge now that the Bewick's Swans have started to arrive, with at least 30 now in site. always special birds to see with their evocative calls and display, this rare species is declining and sadly is still shot on its migration. Also seen, Water Rails at the Willow hide, and waders on the Tack Piece including Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit. White-fronted Geese also now back on their traditional wintering grounds.

Steart

5 Dec - Morning rain gave way to brighter conditions and showers. After some waiting, I had good views of the Eastern Yellow Wagtail that had been found here a couple of weeks previously. this race tschutschensis has been split from Yellow Wagtail. It certainly has a distinctive call, reminiscent of Citrine. After being elusive, it perched along the fenceline and then fed at close quarters. A British tick for me. Also seen, a female Merlin unsuccessfully pursuing a Meadow Pipit. Male Marsh Harrier seen distantly, and a good selection of the commoner waders. Apex Park in Burnham en route home gave amazing views of the Tundra Bean Goose that has taken up residence there with the waterfowl that come to food from the public. Definitely my closest ever views of this species!The day rounded off with a Barn Owl at dusk at Blakehill.

Slavonian Grebe in CWP

3 Dec - only my second ever Slavonian Grebe in CWP, this species is rarer inland than its congener the Black-necked Grebe. Found the previous day on Pit 125, I had two views of the bird at the eastern end but could bot find it later in the day. Coincidentally, in the afternoon no less than 3 Ring-necked Ducks were found on the same Pit! (a pair, and a first-winter drake).

Gloucestershire Kingfishers

November 2020 - This autumn has been a good one for Kingfisher sightings. There has been a reliable female along the River Churn in Cirencester, along the edge of the Park, which has been fairly confiding but has never become tame. Pittville Park in Cheltenham is also becoming well-known locally for up to 3 birds, especially around the bridge at the eastern end. In addition, reguar flybys at various locations in CWP, possibly including juvenile birds moving to new areas after the breeding season.

Staying local........

November 2020 - Another lockdown loomed as covid cases increased. My birding was local as the early winter came on. Good numbers of dabbling duck had built up at CWP, particularly at Pit 74, with Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal and Pintail all present. Lapwing numbers building up, Water Rails very obvious at Shorncote, Redwings and Fieldfares feasting on the berry crop in the hedgerows, and other birds such as flyby Sparrowhawk (16th, Shorncote and a pair 21st, Blakehill) and Kingfishers. Stonechats back in winter residence at Blakehill but sadly no Short-eared Owls seen so far. Great White Egrets are now almost as expected a sighting as Little Egrets. parties of Snipe seen on the wet fields at Shorncote on 22nd and 25th. Grey Wagtails also back and regular along the stream at Shorncote in the winter. On 28th Nov, 78 Golden Plovers in the regular field, along the minor road to Driffield.

Otmoor in November

12 Nov - A sunny November day, a good selection of birds at an early winter Otmoor with flooding beginning to accumulate. Big numbers of Golden Plover and Lapwings performing shimmering aerobatics in the sunlight. Also a pair of Marsh Harriers over the reedbed, at least 10 Red Kites, several Water Rails squealing, and 35 Snipe roosting on an island fairly near the bridleway.The GND still present at Farmoor.

Snow Bunting(s).........

Snow Buntings are confiding passerines from the high north, being scarce breeders on the highest Scottish Peaks, otherwise scarce passage migrants, and winter visitors to principally the east coast. A very tame bird had arrived at New Passage on the Severn, and gave very close views on the 8th Nov, being joined by a second bird for my return visit in better light on 13th. A great photographic opportunity.

Fairly local Foray

7 Nov - A slightly speculative visit to Pittville Lake in Cheltenham was well rewarded with excellent views of at least one Kingfisher. The birds here are currently fairly obliging although mobile. Moving on to Farmoor, the newly-arrived Great Northern Diver was feeding and loafing on F2.

Local Autumn

Several visits locally during the last week of October gave typical autumnal birding fare. Passage birds at Blakehill included Skylarks and Meadow Pipits and arriving autumnal Thrushes, in the form of flighty Fieldfares and Redwings, with Stonechats taking up residence for the winter. At Shorncote, numbers of dabbling ducks slowly increasing, and Water Rails arriving, more heard than seen. Stonechats passing through Shorncote as well with 6 seen on 28th, and Grey Wagtails feeding along the stream. Goldcrests also moving through. Marsh Harriers regular at Twitcher's Gate with a female on 30th, hopefully at least one will overwinter.

Norfolk in Autumn

A few days pre-booked in Norfolk in mid-October, and promising easterlies..... and waking to amazing news on 18th the finding of a Rufous Bushchat at Stiffkey, a mythical bird and only half an hour away! I headed there and found a crowd gathering and rapidly swelling, being careful to socially distance. The bird had flown out from the coastal wood to the saltmarsh, where fortunately the tide was dropping. The bird was relocated in some sueda and gave good views on and off, the distinctive upturned cocked tail and buff/rufous coloration being distinctive. A great start to the week! A supporting cast of waders including Grey Plover and Spotted Redshank. Later that day a walk at Holkham Beach gave nice views of a very active flock of Sanderling along the tideline. The following day the very obliging Pallas's Warbler remained at Thornham, and performed fantastically well in coastal bushes - then on arrival at Titchwell a superb Bittern circled in flight, and an excellent variety of waders were along the tideline on the beach - the waders here are used to birders and people, and are fairly confiding amongst the rocks and pools - includong Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Grey Plover and Curlew. Brent Geese were already arriving for the winter, and raptors included Peregrine and Marsh Harrier. A Norfolk day at its finest! After a non-birding holiday day, the following morning saw a visit to Holkham Pines and the probable Stejneger's Stonechat was still performing at the western end, fairly distantly but showing the distinctive eyestripe and rump. As a finale, a stop at the Sculthorpe Moor produced a pair of Bramblings at the feeders. A very productive fews days.

Slimbridge

14 Oct - An unexpected bonus late in the autumn, an obliging Curlew Sandpiper on the Rushy, and the Spotted Redshank still present. Also 30+ Redwings heading SW. In the evening, a flock of 4 Great White Egrets flew over Pit 74 heading SW, presumably to roost.

CVL Yellowlegs........

12 Oct - A stop-off at Herriott's bridge, Chew Valley Lake - and excellent (though distant) scope views of the juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs that had been present for a few days. The bird was feeding up and down a stream outlet, always such an elegant bird to see. Also an amazing gathering of Egrets - 14 (!) Great Whites and 3 Cattles (presumably dispersing from their breeding grounds on the Levels) alongside 3 Little Egrets.

Pennington Phalarope Parade

11 Oct - A sunny autumn day - and a visit to Pennington Marshes, where a there was an almost-unique double available for comparison - a Grey Phalarope from the arctic side-by-side with a Wilson's Phalarope from North America. Both birds were first-winters and therefore more likely to stray on their first migration in adverse weather or winds. As is typical of Phalaropes, very confiding, and showing no fear of humans, which is part of the attraction of this family. The Wilson's is larger, longer-legged and longer-billed than the dumpy Grey, both feeding actively picking insects off vegetation or the water surface. A magical experience to see them so close, and plenty of cameras in attendance.

Water Park

A mixture of the seasons, with the first 2 Redwings of the autumn over Shorncote on 7 Oct, then a lingering juvenile Osprey mainly seen around the Lower Mill area - I managed to catch up with it on 10 Oct from a distance as it flew low over Pit 41, mobbed by an attendant gang of corvids. Another bird which I thought I'd missed for CWP this year..........

CWP Black Tern

6 Oct - I thought I'd missed Black Tern for the year, having failed to see any passing through in late spring, but a first-year bird was still present on pit 82 having stayed for several days. Always an elegant bird to see. Quite good numbers of Hirundines still passing through.

Holy Island

5 Oct - With the classic autumn "fall" conditions continuing over the weekend, I decided to drive home via the east coast, and in particular Holy Island. A Red-flanked Bluetail had been seen here at the Snook, but it had departed overnight when I arrived - however, I walked the area beyond the village and another Bluetail was found nearby in the hedges - It was elusive but I had good views of it in the end. A Lesser Grey Shrike was also still present and feeding in the sunshine, and there was a constant arrival of Redwings overhead, and a stream of Goldcrests feeding voraciously in any available vegetation, having just made the crossing from Scandinavia. A satisfying end to the trip.

Fife...... Siberian Thrush......

2 Oct - My Munro-linked foray north to Scotland, for Glen Etive, coincided with easterly winds and an arrival of vagrants - including an almost-mythical Siberian Thrush. So on arrival in Scotland I headed for Kilminning on the Fife coast, where this skulking bird was being seen (very occasionally) in the extensive scrub. Zoothera Thrushes are notoriously secretive, and Siberian is no exception. I soent the remainder of the day scanning the scrub to no avail, compensation being an assortment of other migrants including Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler, Hawfinch and Brambling. Would the bird stay until I could try again? 4 Oct - After a days Munroing I returned east across Scotland to Kilminning. The Siberian Thrush was reported still present, and was being seen best in the early mornings, it was presumably spending a lot of time feeding on the ground.After several more hours, the bird flew up and perched in a low bush, unfortunately partly obscured from my angle but I had an excellent view of the bird in flight, showing the diagnostic striking black and white underwing. I also saw it later perched higher up showing the wing bars. It was loosely associating with a party of Redwings. This bird, being on the mainland, attracted a large number of admirers, vagrant Siberian birds being particularly sought after in the UK. I would have preferred better and more prolonged views, but was relieved to have finally set eyes on it after a lot of waiting. Interestingly, parties of Barnacle Geese were also arriving in off the North Sea presumably heading for their wintering grounds in south-west Scotland.

Glen Etive

3 Oct - My last walking trip of the year, a group trip to Glen Etive - a dry start, then rain in the afternoon, by which time we were on Ben Starav, the 3rd and last of the three Munros today. No less than 3 Golden Eagles seen circling over Glas Bheinn Mhor from the lower approaches

CWP

26-28 Sept - Great White Egret and Marsh Harriers at several CWP locations, with Hawkers still flying in the autumnal sunshine. Half a dozen Little Grebes currently residing at Shorncote, and signs of winter visitors arriving, with Water Rail, Snipe, Grey Wagtail and Stonechat at Shorncote. Also a fairly scarce Shorncote visitor in the form of a Yellowhammer. The first of October, a successful day - firstly, 3 Otters seen well cruising across the lake at Lower Moor, then in the evening excellent scope views of a Jack Snipe feeding with its distinctive bobbing action along the reed edge at Pit 74, from Twitcher's Gate, with Common Snipe nearby for comparison.

Malverns

26 Sept - A morning visit to North Hill and, eventually, views of the 2 Lapland Buntings that have been present for a few days. Their distinctive flight call meant that the movements of the birds around the slopes could be followed, and as they fed on the short turf, allowed good views.

Blakehill

21 and 25 Sept - A first for Blakehill today, 21st! A Cattle Egret on the plateau. in addition to the usual suspects, and good numbers of Meadow Pipits moving, a flyover Yellow Wagtail on 25th.

Skye

16-20 Sept - A visit (hopefully) finally complete the Cuillin, and, for a change, superb fine late summer weather. En route from Edinburgh to Skye, a Golden Eagle flew over near Crianlarich, and a stop at Broadford Bay produced a few waders including Bar-tailed Godwit, plus Rock Pipit, and Red-throated Diver out in the bay. My first day on the Cuillin gave an orithological surprise in the form of a group of 4 Ptarmigan flushed on the SE ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean. The following day was a stunning walk above Loch Hourn, amazing blue skies and sunlit reflections, and the last day on the Inaccessible Pinnacle - not many birds seen but dramatic views in addition to Curlew, Wheatear, Pipits, Raven and Siskins.

Early Sept locally

Blakehill and the Water Park, Redstarts last seen on 9th Sept, plus a couple of flyover Yellow Wagtails and the start of the main autumn Meadow Pipit passage, which stretches into October. Wheatears also passing through. Shorncote on 12 Sept resulted in a good list of the expected species there - including Little Egrets, Water Rail, Sparrowhawk, Hobby and Grey Wagtail. Two Siskins flew over Blakehill on 13th. Lower Moor provides regular Kingfisher sightings at this time of year, but they are usually fly bys, not perched views.

Gibraltar, and raptors........

5-7 Sept - Exceptional times this year during the covid epidemic, and my first trip abroad since Sweden in Feb. Gibraltar being one of the few destinations open to visiting without quarantine. I've been here a few times before in early September, and the raptor passage is awesome in the right conditions - the movement and numbers of birds always dependent on wind strength and direction. This year no exception despite a slow start. Large numbers of Honey Buzzards cross the straits to Morocco in early Sept, low early morning then high later in the day after the thermals build up. A mixture of adults and juveniles, with the adult males having distinctive white underparts and grey heads,the browner females, and a variety of juvenile plumages - all with the distinctive pigeon like head, languid wingbeats and barred tail. Good numbers of Short-toes Eagles and Booted Eagles, with many Black Kites, and a supporting cast of Egyptian Vultues and Marsh Harriers. Parties of Bee-Eaters also passed over, their liquid contact calls drawing attention to them even when very high. Finally, a boat trip in the bay gave good views of Cory's Shearwaters, as well as dolphins....... a great trip as usual.

Red-backed Shrike on the Downs

31 Aug - A tip-off and a bank holiday trip to the Marlborough Downs - and good views of a juvenile Red-backed Shrike feeding from the Hawthorns. A good inland find, and not present the next day.

Otmoor

30 Aug - A good selection of birds on a morning visit, the most unusual probably being a Cattle Egret. Also seen - 2 Cranes, 2 Hobbies, fem Marsh Harrier, at least 10 Red Kites, 20+ Snipe, Water Rail amd Kingfisher. Also 4 passage Redstarts but very wary.

Blakehill during August

Half a dozen visits to Blakehill during the month. The main object was the passage of Redstarts, several of which have been present since the end of July, and still present on 9 Sept. At least 3, including at least one moulting adult male. The birds are generally timid, and often the first sign is the quivering red tail disappearing into a bush. With caution, the birds can be seen feeding on the ground. Also of note this autumn - an impressive passage of Whinchats, up to 7 birds. Plus juvenile Green Woodpeckers feeding on ants (indicating successful breeding) and flyby Hobby. Passage Warblers include regular Whitethroat and Willow Warbler.

Goldcliff Lagoons

22 Aug - A visit to a regular wader hotspot, Goldcliff lagoons. The chief target was Curlew Sandpiper, and a smart juvenile seen - also present Greenshank and Little Stint. 12 wader species seen altogether, including Whimbrel and Ruff - also Peregrine and Hobby.

Braemar and the Cairngorms, 8-15 August 2020

A week in Braemar, principally for Munros, with Jennifer and Matt from Cheltenham. This trip was plan B as we had to cancel our Ullapool week in June due to lockdown, but turned out to be a very successful week, with predominantly good weather amd over 70 miles walked in total bagging my remaining Cairngorm Munros. Day 1 was Ben Avon in perfect sunshine, and the following day was another long but enjoyable trek to Devil's Point. Birds on these first 2 days included a few Red Grouse flushed, and Redstart and Crossbill in the pine forest. A distant Golden Eagle was also seen, and Ring Ouzel heard. The next day was a rest / caution day in view of a thundery forecast - a couple of hours up at Glenshee gave views of several Mountain Hares (in summer pelage, brown except for their white feet) together with Meadow Pipits, Wheatears, more Red Grouse and a brief flyby female Merlin. Munroing resumed the following day, Derry Cairngorm amd Ben Mheadhoin - more dramatic views with swirling mist, and typical birds including Crossbill, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and Grey Wagtail. My final day was booked at James Roddie's Marten hide on the Black Isle. A long wait, then mother and well-grown kit appeared in the early evening. Red Squirrels provided entertainment while waiting. The finale prior to returning home was the Osprey hide at Aviemore - poor light with fog, but several dives. Final Munros of the week were 2 of the A84 Munros, 4 Dippers on the river being the highlight. No Ptarmigan seen at all, despite 3 days walking in the Cairngorms - apparently a very poor year for them.

Rosy Starling in Wiltshire........

5 Aug - News of an adult Rose-coloured Starling in Corsham as part of the current national influx. I headed down and found the correct garden, a large flock of Starlings feeding on food put out on the lawn - and then it appeared on the roof, very distinctive and striking with its pink and black plumage amongst its commoner congeners. A Wiltshire tick. I visited again the following evening, 6th, and had good views in evening sunlight (the previous day having been dull and overcast). An excellent local bird, and seen by a lot of Wiltshire birders.

Caspian Tern!

28 July - Caspian Tern has always exerted a special appeal for me, an unbelievable bird when I saw it in the fieldguide when starting birding, with that huge bill. I've seen a couple in the UK, but not for a while, and a fairly local bird and possibly twitchable is a rare event. A bird had been seen several times at Fishlake Meadows, Hampshire, and seemed to be in a pattern of regular forays to feed - so I headed down early the next morning and eventually found the right spot to view the lake. After a few minutes it suddenly appeared! A very large Tern with that enormous red bill. It fished for about 10 minutes then flew off...... a good showing and well worth the trip. Also seen - male Marsh Harrier and Hobby.

WWT Summer.........July/ Aug 2020

Visits post-lockdown on 27 July, 4 Aug and 18 August. Migrant summer waders starting to move through, plus the resident non-breeding flock of Black-tailed Godwits - some in superb russet breeding plumage. Green Sandpipers are early migrants, and LRPs are on breeding territory on South Lake. Also present this season - 2 Little Stints, and a moulting Spotted Redshank, which during these few weeks morphed fairly rapidly from black summer plumage to greyish non-breeding colours. A Greenshank was in front of Hogarth Hide on 4 Aug, and juvenile Avocets learning to feed and becoming black-and-white adults. Another summer feature at Slimbridge is the small flock of Knot that roosts on South Lake at high tide. Early migrant Snipe also appear in late summer, along with Ruff in a bewildering array of sizes and colours. Photographic opportunities at times as the waders feed fairly close to the hides.